When using a serger

[AutumnMom07]

Hi all, I just got a brother overlock machine and have been tring to teach myself how to use it. I was wondering what stitch everyone uses on dipers and mama cloth. I used the 4 thread stitch and it seemed very difficult to go around curves and corners. Maybe too wide? Do you use the 3 thread? I wasn't sure if this would be strong enough to withstand all the washing. I really need alot alot alot of practice, it's quite different from using a regular sewing machine. Is there a trick to rounding curves and corners nicely? I saw somewhere to trim down one edge of the corner flush with where the blade trims the fabric for corners, I haven't tried it yet.

[love2bmom]

I use a 3 thread stitch. Using wooly nylon in your loopers (not the needles, but the thread holders underneath - check your manual) will help with the appearance on the rounded parts. The wooly is stretchy so it will look nicer. Neat serging just takes practice. Some say go fast, some say go slow, you just have to find your "groove".

[clemrose]

I had difficulty with curves too when making diapers. Here's what I posted in another forum. Hope it helps!

I learned this in a lesson when I bought my serger and it is invaluable. Make little cuts in the seam allowance of the curve perpendicular to the edge of the fabric. But only in the seam allowance because your serger will cut that part off. Then, when you are serging, pull on the fabric with one hand so that those little snips open up and the curve becomes a straight line. When you stop pulling the curve will return to normal shape and be serged perfectly! I suggest practicing this method on scrap fabric. Let me know if it works for you!

Oh, and I second the wooly nylon and 3-thread. Although, in my experience, wooly nylon can get caught on velcro so if you're using it make laundry tabs too!

[KBinSATX]

I use the 4-thread with Wolly Nylon. Actually I am using 4 spools of Woolly Nylon. Is that overkill?
What is the reason to use it only in the loopers and not in the needles?

[CathToria]

Originally Posted by KBinSATX

I use the 4-thread with Wolly Nylon. Actually I am using 4 spools of Woolly Nylon. Is that overkill?
What is the reason to use it only in the loopers and not in the needles?

I think you should use a reg poly thread in your needles, beacuse when the stitches/seams are pulled on, the WN will stretch and your seam will gap open. I the WN does a great job for finishing the edges, but for keeping a tight stitch, poly thread is better. I only use it in my loopers, adn I use my regular thread (like Maxi lock) in my needles.

HTH

[KBinSATX]

Originally Posted by CathToria

I think you should use a reg poly thread in your needles, beacuse when the stitches/seams are pulled on, the WN will stretch and your seam will gap open. I the WN does a great job for finishing the edges, but for keeping a tight stitch, poly thread is better. I only use it in my loopers, adn I use my regular thread (like Maxi lock) in my needles.

HTH

That makes sense! Thanks.